Coffee: Get a taste of the good life

Posted on Friday, July 13, 2012 at 5:02 pm

By IAN SKOTTE

They’re used for business meetings, interviews, reading, gossip and nice place to enjoy a snack.

Coffee houses have been around since the 16^th century, when the first coffee house opened in Damascus in 1530, according to Granite Ledge Coffee’s coffee facts.

History’s greatest minds like Beethoven, Voltaire and Teddy Roosevelt were coffeeholics.

Coffee houses, or coffee shops as they’re commonly known, continue the tradition set by coffee houses of the past.

They’ve come a long way in the last 500 years, but remain a popular venue as a relaxing, calm atmosphere where patrons can do just about anything and have excellent cup of joe.

Coffee shops have really seen an explosion following Seattle’s trend in the 1990s. That soon led to the greater Tullahoma area catching on. In fact, there are five coffee shops in a 20-mile radius of Tullahoma.

The Celtic Cup

One of the top locations in Tullahoma is The Celtic Cup located on East Lincoln Street.

Established in 2009 by Chris and Denise Smith, it’s already been recognized as part of the Tennessee Backroads Heritage.

This quaint shop offers delicious meals, entertainment, gelato and, of course, fresh coffee.

It’s a great place to chill out and get the occasional article written.

Enrichment Cafe

Near downtown Tullahoma, hiding in a strip mall along Jackson Street, is the Enrichment Café.

This cozy coffee shop is owned by Desiree Porter, who takes pride in her delicious coffee and tasty pastries.

Porter offers customers a comfortable setting, an array of coffee essentials, like mugs and other knick-knacks, television and Wi-Fi.

It may be tough to find, but you’ll be glad you did.

San Miguel’s Coffee Company

Heading south to Winchester is another popular spot. San Miguel’s Coffee Company captures your eye as soon as you walk in. It’s likely you’ll be like most new customers who wander in when you silently mouth the word, “Wow.”

Like The Celtic Cup, San Miguel’s offers an array of specialty coffees from café au lait to lattes and iced coffees.

They also have a delicious assortment of pastries. Luckily there’s a window guard in place to keep the customers from drooling on the deserts.

Starbucks

Taking Highway 64 to I-24 and heading north will put you in Manchester. This is where some of coffee’s most hardcore fans go to get their fix.

Just off the interstate on exit 114 is Seattle’s own Starbucks.

Roasting up some of the world’s best coffee happens here.

It’s a comfortable atmosphere, too. The staff is nice and quick to remember your drink order —especially if you dutifully order the same dry, grande, caramel cappuccino (with caramel drizzle on top) at every visit.

Of course Starbucks also offers several of its own pastries, including some of the best pumpkin bread you’ll put in your mouth.

Brew

Jump back in the car and head toward Manchester’s square and you’ll find Brew.

Owners Scott and Judy Solomon are proud of their establishment and don’t appreciate those who try to capitalize on the coffee trend by just roasting beans.

They’re the real deal.

Brew has a laundry list of specialty coffees to choose from. The diverse offerings are coupled with a laid back atmosphere for customers to taste all that caffeinated goodness.

While you’re there why not play some chess, too?

Of course all these establishments have their regulars. They’re what keep these places open.

So if you’re a morning coffee drinker, or, like me, prefer a dose late at night, be sure to check out all these coffee shops’ hours and bring them your business.

You won’t regret it.

Besides coffee and people go hand-in-hand… kind of like cream and sugar.

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